The Philadelphia 76ers obliterated the Washington Wizard on Monday night to record their fifth consecutive win this season. Their start to the season was the most drama-filled with Harden and the front office. Many questioned how they would be able to regroup themselves after the huge gap that James left in the line-up. But it was all for naught as the team has proved itself to be one of the best in the conference. Besides their season opener loss, they have been posting continuous wins with many players stepping up to their roles. 

Against the Wizards, Embiid scored an impressive 48 points with 11 rebounds and 6 assists. He did all this in just 31 minutes that he played. Besides him, other players like Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., and some other new trade picks also contributed their fair share to ensure the 146-128 points victory. Here are 3 takeaways from the night.

1. Embiid putting up MVP-level performances again 

Without James Harden in the front, the Cameroonian has ensured that the Sixers still continue to win. In all of their previous five victories, Joel has played a crucial part. But his performance against the Wizards really takes the cake as he showed the world why he was the MVP for 2023. This has also kindled hopes of him potentially going back-to-back for the MVP award. If he continues to do so through the entirety of this season, of course. 

2. Maxey growing into a genuine playmaker 

Tyrese Maxey’s role amongst the Sixers has been ever-changing. The 23-year-old has been played the previous three seasons more as a shooting option filling in for Ben Simmons in his second year. He then shredded the back-court with Harden, assisting him. But now, he has taken over the role of a playmaker and is establishing himself as an important cornerstone in the team. Against the Wizards, he added twenty-two points and eleven assists. Overall, he has been averaging 26.2 points with 5.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists this season.

3. Harden trade pieces are working impressively

The trade with LA Clippers for James Harden bought to Philadelphia Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Marcus Morris. And it looks like it was a wise choice as they are also playing exceptionally well.

Read More : James Harden Clippers Trade: Details on What 76ers Lost and Gained in the Blockbuster Deal

Nicolas Batum put up eleven points on 4-for-5 shooting in his Sixers debut. Robert Covington also played well scoring seven points in the four minutes he played and Marcus Morris added three points and one rebound.

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Right now, it looks like the Sixers have moved past the Harden-era and are finding their consistency and harmony. All that remains is for them to maintain this winning streak as they meet the Boston Celtics next, on Wednesday. Watch this space as we keep you updated on everything!